Handheld work apparatus

ABSTRACT

A first actuating element acts on a blocking device for an operator-controlled element for controlling the drive motor. In an enabled position of the blocking device, the operator-controlled element is enabled to control the drive motor. In a blocking position the blocking device mechanically blocks any actuation of the operator-controlled element. The first element acts on the blocking device via a transfer unit. In an actuated position of a second actuating element, the transfer unit establishes an operative connection between the first element and the blocking device, such that the blocking device is in the enabled position in the actuated position of the first element and is in the blocking position in the non-actuated position of the first element. In the non-actuated position of the second actuating element, the transfer unit is ineffective so that the blocking device is in the blocking position regardless of the first element&#39;s position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority of German patent application no. 102017 002 353.0, filed Mar. 11, 2017, the entire content of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. No. 9,636,792 discloses a handheld work apparatus having afirst actuating element and a second actuating element and anoperator-controlled element for controlling the drive motor. In orderfor it to be possible to actuate the operator-controlled element, bothactuating elements have to be actuated. The first actuating element actson the blocking device. The second actuating element blocks theactuation of the first actuating element. This prevents the firstactuating element from being able to be actuated unless the secondactuating element is pressed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a handheld work apparatuswith an advantageous structure.

This object can, for example, be achieved by a handheld work apparatusincluding: a drive motor; an operator-controlled element for controllingthe drive motor; a housing; a blocking device for theoperator-controlled element having an enabled position in which theoperator-controlled element is enabled to control the drive motor; afirst actuating element configured to act on the blocking device andhaving an actuated position and a non-actuated position; a secondactuating element having an actuated position and a non-actuatedposition; the blocking device further having a blocking position inwhich the blocking device mechanically blocks an actuation of theoperator-controlled element; a transfer unit; the first actuatingelement being configured to act on the blocking device via the transferunit; the transfer unit being configured, when the second actuatingelement is in the actuated position, to establish an operativeconnection between the first actuation element and the blocking deviceso that the blocking device is in the enabled position when the firstactuating element is in the actuated position thereof and the blockingdevice is in the blocking position when the first actuating element isin the non-actuated position; and, the transfer unit being withouteffect when the second actuating element is in the non-actuated positionthereof so that the blocking device is in the blocking positionindependent of the position of the first actuating element.

It has been found that, depending on the structure of the workapparatus, damage to the first actuating element can occur when thefirst actuating element is actuated forcefully, for example when thework apparatus falls onto the first actuating element such that thefirst actuating element is actuated with a high actuating force whilethe second actuating element is not pressed.

The present invention now provides for the first actuating element toact on the blocking device not directly but via a transfer unit and forthe second actuating element to act on the transfer unit. The secondactuating element acts in this case on the transfer unit such that thetransfer unit establishes an operative connection between the firstactuating element and the blocking device in the actuated position ofthe second actuating element. As a result, the blocking device is in theenabled position in the actuated position of the first actuating elementand in the blocking position in the non-actuated position of the firstactuating element. In the actuated position of the second actuatingelement, the operator can accordingly adjust the blocking device intoits enabled position by actuating the first actuating element.

In the non-actuated position of the second actuating element, thetransfer unit is ineffective, and the blocking device is in the blockingposition, regardless of the position of the first actuating element. Inthe non-actuated position of the second actuating element, too, thefirst actuating element can accordingly be adjusted into the actuatedposition. The adjustment of the first actuating element into theactuated position does not bring about any adjustment of the blockingdevice into the enabled position, however, but remains ineffective.

As a result, it is easily possible for the first actuating element andthe second actuating element to be able to be actuated independently ofone another, in particular in any desired order. It is only when bothactuating elements are in the actuated state that the blocking device isin its enabled position and the operator-controlled element is enabledto operate the drive motor. Since the operator-controlled element ismechanically blocked by the first actuating element, theoperator-controlled element cannot be actuated unless both the firstactuating element and the second actuating element are in their actuatedposition.

The invention provides in particular for the transfer unit to have aninactive state in which the blocking device is in the blocking positionregardless of the position of the first actuating element. Accordingly,the transfer unit does not transfer the actuating movement of the firstactuating element to the blocking device such that the blocking devicecan reach its enabled state. In the non-actuated position of the secondactuating element, the transfer unit is in the inactive state. Thetransfer unit also has an inactive state, which the transfer unit is inwith the second actuating element in the actuated position. In theactive state, the transfer unit establishes an operative connectionbetween the first actuating element and the blocking device. Anoperative connection between the first actuating element and theblocking element means in this case that the blocking device is in theblocking position when the actuating element is in the non-actuatedposition, and that the blocking device is in the enabled position whenthe first actuating element is in its actuated position, that is, theoperator actuates, for example pushes or moves, the first actuatingelement. The transfer unit accordingly transfers the actuating movementof the first actuating element to the blocking device in order to adjustthe blocking device between its blocking position and its enabledposition.

In an advantageous configuration, the second actuating element or thetransfer unit keeps the first actuating element in its actuated positionwhen the second actuating element is in its actuated position. As aresult, the operator does not have to permanently hold the firstactuating element, as long as the second actuating element is actuated.

Advantageously, in its actuated position, the operator-controlledelement keeps the first actuating element in its actuated position whenthe operator-controlled element is in its actuated position. As aresult, the operator does not have to keep the first actuating elementpermanently pressed, as long as the operator-controlled element isactuated. However, provision may also be made for the first actuatingelement to be restored or to be able to be restored into itsnon-actuated position while the operator-controlled element is pressed,and for the blocking device to be restored into its blocking positiononly when the operator-controlled element is released.

A simple structure is achieved when the second actuating element, in thenon-actuated position, keeps the blocking device in its blockingposition. This ensures, with the second actuating element in thenon-actuated position, that the first actuating element cannot adjustthe blocking device into its enabled position. The second actuatingelement can in this case keep the blocking device in its blockingposition directly or indirectly, for example via components coupled tothe first actuating element.

Advantageously, a holding contour is provided, which keeps the blockingelement in the enabled position with the operator-controlled element inthe actuated position. This prevents the blocking device from beingadjusted back into its blocking position with the operator-controlledelement actuated, for example when the first and/or the second actuatingelement is/are released. In this case, provision can be made for thefirst actuating element and/or the second actuating element toadditionally be held by the operator-controlled element in its actuatedposition. Alternatively, provision can be made for the first and/or thesecond actuating element to be able to be restored into theirnon-actuated position with the operator-controlled element in theactuated position.

A simple structure is achieved when the blocking device includes atleast one blocking element, wherein, in the blocking position, theblocking element is supported on a support and blocks any movement ofthe operator-controlled element in the operating direction.Advantageously, in the blocking position, the blocking element issupported with respect to a movement of the operator-controlled elementin the operating direction. The support is preferably arranged in amanner fixed to the housing and, in the event of actuations of the firstactuating element, of the second actuating element, and of theoperator-controlled element, does not move along therewith.Advantageously, the blocking element cooperates directly with theoperator-controlled element and bears against a blocking contour or ablocking section of the operator-controlled element. In an alternativeconfiguration, provision is preferably made for the blocking element tobe coupled to at least one of the actuating elements and, in thenon-actuated position of the actuating element, to project into thepivoting path of the operator-controlled element and to be locatedoutside the pivoting path of the operator-controlled element in theactuated position of the actuating element.

In an advantageous variant embodiment, the transfer unit includes apivot joint, and the second actuating element changes the situation ofthe pivot joint, that is, the situation of the pivot axis of the pivotjoint. The first actuating element advantageously brings about anadjustment of the blocking device into the enabled position only in onesituation of the pivot joint. In a situation of the pivot joint with thesecond actuating element in the non-actuated position, any adjustment ofthe first actuating element into the actuated position advantageouslyremains ineffective, and the locking device remains in its blockingposition. In this case, the situation of a blocking element of theblocking device can change or remain unchanged when the first actuatingelement is actuated.

A simple structure is achieved when the pivot joint is guided in aguide, the situation of which is adjusted by the second actuatingelement. In an alternative variant embodiment, provision isadvantageously made for the transfer unit to include a resilient elementand for a movement of the first actuating element in the operatingdirection to bring about a deformation of the resilient element when theblocking device is in the blocking position and the second actuatingelement is in the non-actuated position. The actuating movement of thefirst actuating element is accordingly taken up at least partially bythe elasticity of the resilient element, such that the actuatingmovement of the first actuating element does not act on the blockingdevice and results in an adjustment of the blocking device into theenabled position. As a result, in the non-actuated position of thesecond actuating element, any actuation of the first actuating elementremains ineffective. The operative connection between the firstactuating element and the blocking device is thus interrupted. Theresilient element can, in an advantageous configuration, also be formedby a suitable elastic configuration of the first actuating elementitself. Advantageously, the second actuating element keeps a blockingelement of the blocking device in the blocking position.

In an alternative advantageous variant embodiment, the blocking devicehas a blocking contour, which, in the blocking position, is in contactwith an element of the transfer unit. The second actuating element, inthe actuated position, advantageously moves the element of the transferunit out of contact with the blocking contour upon actuation of thefirst actuating element. The moving of the element of the transfer unitout of contact with the blocking contour corresponds to an adjustment ofthe blocking device into the enabled position. With the second actuatingelement not actuated, the first actuating element is ineffective, andthe element of the transfer unit is in contact with the blocking contourin any position of the first actuating element, such that the blockingdevice is in the blocking position regardless of the position of thefirst actuating element. In the actuated position of the secondactuating element, the second actuating element moves the element of thetransfer unit out of contact with the blocking contour, such that theblocking device is in its blocking position or its enabled positiondepending on the position of the first actuating element. As a result,the transfer unit is active and establishes an operative connectionbetween the first actuating element and the blocking device.Advantageously, the blocking contour is firmly connected to theoperator-controlled element, and the second actuating element deflectsthe element of the transfer unit out of the range of movement of theblocking contour via a ramp. This results in a simple, compactstructure. The transfer unit is in this case formed by the element ofthe transfer unit and the ramp.

In an alternative advantageous configuration, the transfer unit has anintermediate lever on which the first actuating element acts. The firstactuating element can pivot freely with respect to the intermediatelever in this embodiment with the second actuating element in thenon-actuated position. In the actuated position of the second actuatingelement, by contrast, a pivoting movement of the first actuating elementbrings about a pivoting movement of the intermediate lever. As a result,the intermediate lever can be adjusted between an inactive position, inwhich the first actuating element can pivot freely, and an activeposition, in which a pivoting movement of the first actuating elementbrings about a pivoting movement of the intermediate lever and as aresult an adjustment of the blocking device between the enabled positionand the blocking position. As a result, the second actuating elementbrings about an adjustment of the intermediate lever of the transferunit between an active position, in which the first actuating element isoperatively connected to the blocking device, and an inactive position,in which there is no operative connection between the first actuatingelement and the blocking device. A simple configuration is achieved whenthe blocking device has at least one blocking element formed on theintermediate lever, the blocking element being pivoted out of thepivoting range of the operator-controlled element when the intermediatelever is pivoted. In this case, the intermediate lever can, in anadvantageous configuration, be kept, via the operator-controlledelement, in the position assigned to the enabled position of theblocking device.

In an alternative advantageous configuration, the transfer unit includesa lever on which the first actuating element and the second actuatingelement act. Provision is made for the lever to be mounted in anarticulated manner such that the transfer unit only acts on the blockingdevice when the first actuating element and the second actuating elementare actuated. In a preferred configuration, the lever is connected tothe blocking element centrally, in the manner of a rocker, via a pivotjoint, and each of the actuating elements acts on one end of the lever.Only when both actuating elements are actuated is the blocking elementdeflected to such an extent that the blocking device is in its enabledposition.

In an advantageous alternative configuration, the transfer unit is ahydraulic or pneumatic transfer unit, and the second actuating element,in the non-actuated position, interrupts a hydraulic or pneumaticconnection between the first actuating element and the blocking device.As a result of the interruption of the hydraulic or pneumaticconnection, the transfer unit is inactive and an adjustment of the firstactuating element between its actuated position and its non-actuatedposition does not bring about any adjustment of the blocking devicebetween its blocking position and its enabled position. In the actuatedposition of the second actuating element, the hydraulic or pneumaticconnection between the first actuating element and the blocking deviceexists. An adjustment of the first actuating element between itsnon-actuated position and its actuated position then brings about anadjustment of the blocking device between its blocking position and itsenabled position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a handheld work apparatus,

FIGS. 2 to 6 show schematic illustrations of a first embodiment indifferent positions of the actuating elements and of theoperator-controlled element;

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show schematic sectional illustrations of a furtherembodiment in different positions of the actuating elements and of theoperator-controlled element

FIGS. 9 to 13 show schematic illustrations of a further embodiment indifferent positions of the actuating elements and of theoperator-controlled element;

FIG. 14 shows a schematic illustration of a further embodiment withnon-actuated actuating elements and a non-actuated operator-controlledelement;

FIG. 15 shows a schematic sectional illustration along the line XV-XV inFIG. 14;

FIG. 16 shows a schematic illustration of the embodiment in FIG. 14 withan actuated first actuating element and non-actuated second actuatingelement and operator-controlled element;

FIG. 17 shows a schematic sectional illustration along the lineXVII-XVII in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 shows a schematic illustration of the embodiment in FIGS. 14 and16 with an actuated second actuating element;

FIG. 19 shows a schematic sectional illustration along the line XIX-XIXin FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 shows a schematic illustration of the arrangement in FIG. 14with an actuated first and actuated second actuating element;

FIG. 21 shows a schematic sectional illustration along the line XXI-XXIin FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 shows a schematic illustration of the embodiment in FIG. 14 withan actuated first and second actuating element and actuatedoperator-controlled element;

FIG. 23 shows a schematic sectional illustration along the lineXXIII-XXIII in FIG. 22;

FIGS. 24 to 27 show schematic illustrations of a further embodiment indifferent positions of the actuating elements and of theoperator-controlled element;

FIGS. 28 to 31 show schematic illustrations of a further embodiment indifferent positions of the actuating elements and of theoperator-controlled element;

FIG. 32 shows a schematic illustration of a further embodiment;

FIG. 33 shows a schematic illustration of a further embodiment withnon-actuated actuating elements and a non-actuated operator-controlledelement; and,

FIG. 34 shows a schematic illustration of the embodiment in FIG. 33 withactuated actuating elements and an actuated operator-controlled element.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a hedge trimmer as an embodiment of a handheld workapparatus 1. The present invention can also be advantageous for otherhandheld, in particular portable work apparatuses 1. The work apparatus1 has a housing 2 in which a drive motor 3 is arranged. In theembodiment shown, the drive motor 3 is configured as an electric motorand is supplied with energy via a rechargeable battery 8 which isarranged in a battery bay 9. Instead of the rechargeable battery 8, abattery or electrical connecting line can be provided for supplyingenergy to the drive motor 3. Provision may also be made for the drivemotor 3 to be a combustion engine. As a tool, the work apparatus 1 has ablade arrangement 5 with a blade bar, not shown in detail, which isdriven back and forth by the drive motor 3 via a gear assembly 4. Thework apparatus 1 has a rear handle 6 and a bale handle 7 for guiding thework apparatus 1 during operation. A first actuating element 11 isprovided on the housing 2 immediately next to the rear handle 6 in theembodiment shown. In the embodiment, an operator-controlled element 10and a second actuating element 12 are mounted on the rear handle 6. Someother arrangement of the actuating elements 11 and 12 can also beadvantageous.

In order to put the drive motor 3 into operation, theoperator-controlled element 10 has to be actuated. Theoperator-controlled element 10 can only be actuated when both the firstactuating element 11 and the second actuating element 12 are actuated orare held in an actuated position. Actuation of the actuating elements 11and 12 and of the operator-controlled element 10 in the present casealways means actuation, in particular pressing or pivoting, by anoperator. To this end, the actuating elements 11 and 12 and theoperator-controlled element 10 project out of the housing 2, such thatthey can be gripped by an operator. In the following embodiments, theactuating elements 11 and 12 and the operator-controlled element 10 areconfigured as pivot levers. Some other configuration, for example as acontrol knob or a slide to be moved in translation, may also beadvantageous, however.

As FIG. 2 shows, in the first embodiment, the operator-controlledelement 10 is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 33. Theoperator-controlled element 10 has an actuating section 25 which acts ona switch 30. The switch 30 can be an on/off switch or a potentiometer.In FIG. 2, the operator-controlled element 10 is shown in itsnon-actuated position 23 and the switch 30 in its non-actuated state 31.In the non-actuated state 31 of the switch 30, the drive motor 3 is notin operation. The operator-controlled element 10 cannot be actuated inthe state shown in FIG. 2, since a blocking element 40 is arranged inthe pivoting path of the operator-controlled element 10. The blockingelement 40 is part of a blocking device 13. The blocking element 40 issupported on a support 39 which is arranged in a manner fixed to thehousing in the embodiment shown. The operator-controlled element 10 hasa blocking contour 47 which cooperates with the blocking element 40 andpresses the latter against the support 39 when the operator-controlledelement 10 is pressed in an operating direction 43. As a result,actuation of the operator-controlled element 10 is mechanically blocked.In FIG. 2, the blocking device 13 is in its blocking position 15, inwhich it is not possible to actuate the operator-controlled element 10.

The blocking element 40 is connected to the first actuating element 11via a transfer unit 16. The actuating element 11 is mounted so as to bepivotable about a pivot axis 34 and is in its non-actuated position 19in FIG. 2. The transfer unit 16 is formed by two levers 26 and 27 in theembodiment, which are connected together in a pivotable manner at apivot joint 28. The illustration is only schematic in this case andshows the function but not the structural configuration. The lever 26 isconnected to the first actuating element 11 at one end and to the pivotjoint 28 at the other end. The second lever 27 is connected to the pivotjoint 28 at one end and bears the blocking element 40 at the other end.Some other configuration may also be advantageous, however. The secondlever 27 is preloaded by a resilient element, specifically a spring 29.The transfer unit 16 is in its inactive state 18. In this state, theblocking element 40 is arranged on a holding region 38 of a guideelement 49. The holding region 38 blocks the path of the blockingelement 40 into an enabled position 14 (FIG. 5) of the blocking device13. The spring 29 preloads the lever 27 in the direction of its enabledposition 14, in the embodiment against the holding region 38. The guideelement 49 is mounted so as to be displaceable in a guide 36 withrespect to the housing 2. The guide element 49 is connected to thesecond actuating element 12. The second actuating element 12 is in anon-actuated position 21. The second actuating element 12 is mounted soas to be pivotable about a pivot axis 35.

The first actuating element 11 can be actuated in the operatingdirection 41 by the operator and as a result pivoted about the pivotaxis 34. FIG. 3 shows the arrangement after the first actuating element11 has been pivoted into its actuated position 20. The adjustment of thefirst actuating element 11 into the actuated position 20 needs to becarried out by an operator. As FIG. 3 shows, the blocking device 13continues to be in its blocking position 15. The pivoting of the firstactuating element 11 has merely brought about a change in the transferunit 16. The levers 26 and 27 have been pivoted about the pivot joint 28with respect to one another, with the result that the spring 29 has beentensioned. By contrast, the blocking element 40 has not moved, butrather continues to be kept in the blocking position 15 by the holdingregion 38. The holding region 38 accordingly has the effect that thetransfer unit 16 is inactive and actuation of the first actuatingelement 11 does not bring about any adjustment of the blocking device 13into its enabled position 14. The second actuating element 12 keeps theblocking device 13 in its blocking position 15.

FIG. 4 shows the arrangement with the first actuating element 11 in itsnon-actuated position 19. The second actuating element 12 has beenpivoted in the operating direction 42 into its actuated position 22. Thepivoting of the second actuating element 12 about its pivot axis 35 hasbrought about a movement of the guide element 49 in the guide 36. As aresult, the holding region 38 has moved away from the blocking element40 into a position in which the holding region 38 does not block themovement of the blocking element 40. In the embodiment shown, theholding region 38 moves transversely to the direction of movement of theblocking element 40. In the position shown in FIG. 4, the blockingelement 40 can move out of the region of the support 39. As a result, inFIG. 4, the transfer unit 16 is in an active state 17, in which anyactuation of the first actuating element 11 brings about a movement ofthe blocking element 40 and an adjustment of the blocking device 13between its blocking position 15 and its enabled position 14. The firstactuating element 11 is in its non-actuated position 19 and the blockingdevice 13 in its blocking position 15 in FIG. 4.

If, proceeding from the position shown in FIG. 4, the first actuatingelement 11 is pivoted into its actuated position 20, shown in FIG. 5,the transfer unit 16 acts on the blocking element 40 and moves theblocking element 40 out of the region of the support 39. In FIG. 5, thefirst actuating element 11 is in its actuated position 20 and the secondactuating element 12 in its actuated position 22. The blocking device 13is in its enabled position 14, and the operator-controlled element 10can be pivoted.

FIG. 6 shows the arrangement after the operator-controlled element 10has been pivoted in the operating direction 43 into its actuatedposition 24. The blocking element 40 bears against a holding contour 48of the support 39 in this position. The blocking element 40 is in thiscase held between the guide element 49, the holding contour 48 and theblocking contour 47 of the operator-controlled element 10 in theembodiment. The holding contour 48 has the effect that the blockingelement 40 cannot move back between the blocking contour 47 and thesupport 39. As a result, the holding contour 48 keeps the blockingdevice 13 in its enabled position 14. As a result of theoperator-controlled element 10 pivoting into its actuated position 24,the actuating portion 25 of the operator-controlled element 10 has movedwith respect to the switch 30 and actuated the switch 30. The switch 30is now in its actuated state 32, in which the drive motor 3 is inoperation.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show a possible structural embodiment which is basedon the operating principle shown in FIGS. 2 to 6. Identical referencesigns in this case identify mutually corresponding elements and elementswith an identical or similar function in all the figures. The firstactuating element 11 is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis34. In FIG. 7, the first actuating element 11 is illustrated in anon-actuated position 19. The second actuating element 12 is mounted soas to be pivotable about a pivot axis 35 and is likewise illustrated ina non-actuated position 21. The operator-controlled element 10, too, isin a non-actuated position 23. The second actuating element 12 has anarm 44 which is connected firmly to the section projecting out of thehousing and on which a spring 29 is mounted. The spring 29 couples thearm 44 to a lever 27 which is mounted in a pivotable manner on a pivotjoint 28. In contrast to the configuration according to FIGS. 2 to 6, inthe configuration according to FIG. 7, the pivot joint 28 is notprovided between the lever 27 and a further lever but between the lever27 and the housing 2. Together with the lever 27, the spring 29 formsthe transfer unit 16, which is in its inactive state 18 in theillustration in FIG. 7. The lever 27 has a holding extension 46. Formedon the first actuating element 11 is a support 39, which is located inthe pivoting path of the lever 27 in the non-actuated position 19 of thefirst actuating element 11. As a result, the lever 27 is blocked.

If, with the first actuating element 11 in the non-actuated position 19,the second actuating element 12 is actuated in the operating direction42 and is pivoted into the actuated position 22 shown in FIG. 8, thespring 29 is extended. The lever 27 is prevented from pivoting by thesupport 39. The lever 27 is part of a blocking device 13, which includesa blocking element 70 on the lever 27 and a blocking section 68 on theoperator-controlled element 10. The blocking section 70 is located inthe pivoting path of the blocking section 68 in the blocking position 15of the blocking device 13, such that the operator-controlled element 10cannot be pivoted in the operating direction 43.

If the first actuating element 11 is pivoted in the operating direction41 into the actuated position 20 illustrated in FIG. 8, the support 39pivots out of the pivoting path of the lever 27. If the second actuatingelement 12 is actuated in the operating direction 42 and adjusted intoits actuated position 22 shown in FIG. 8, the lever 27 pivots about itspivot axis 28 on account of the preloading by the spring 29, and theblocking element 70 on lever 27 passes out of the pivoting region of theoperator-controlled element 10. The operator-controlled element 10 canthen be pivoted in the operating direction 43 (FIG. 7) into its actuatedposition 24 (FIG. 8).

Formed on the first actuating element 11 is a holding contour 45 againstwhich the lever 27 bears in the actuated position. In this position ofthe lever 27, the blocking device 13 is in its enabled position 14. Thelever 27 has a second holding contour 46 which lies in the pivoting pathof the first actuating element 11 and keeps the first actuating element11 in its actuated position 20 as long as the second actuating element12 is in its actuated position 22. If the blocking device 13 is in itsenabled position 14, the first actuating element 11 is accordingly keptin its actuated position 20. As a result, the operator can release thefirst actuating element 11 once the two actuating elements 11 and 12 arein the actuated position 20 or 22, respectively.

As FIG. 8 also shows, in the actuated position 24 of theoperator-controlled element 10, the blocking section 68 is located inthe pivoting path of the lever 27. As a result, the blocking section 68of the operator-controlled element 10 keeps the transfer unit 16 in itsactive state 17 and prevents the lever 27 from being able to pivot backinto the position shown in FIG. 7 when the second actuating element 12is released.

On account of the spring 29, the operating order of the actuatingelements 11 and 12 is not predetermined, but can be selected by theoperator. It is possible to press the second actuating element 12 firstand thus to tension the spring 29. If the first actuating element 11 isthen adjusted into the actuated position 20, the pivot lever 27 pivotsinto its actuated position on account of the force of the spring 29.Actuation of the first actuating element 11 and subsequent actuation ofthe second actuating element 12 is also possible.

FIGS. 9 to 13 show a further embodiment. As FIG. 9 shows, the firstactuating element 11 acts on a blocking element 40 via a transfer unit16. The transfer unit 16 includes two levers 26 and 27 which areconnected together in a pivotable manner via a pivot joint 28. In theembodiment according to FIG. 9, a spring which preloads one of thelevers is not provided, however. Rather, the pivot joint 28 is guided ina guide 51. The position of the guide 51 is coupled to the position ofthe second actuating element 12. As a result of the second actuatingelement 12 being actuated, the position of the pivot joint 28 ischanged. FIG. 9 shows the arrangement with the first actuating element11 in the non-actuated position 19, the second actuating element 12 inits non-actuated position 21, and the operator-controlled element 10 inits non-actuated position 23. The blocking device 13 is in the blockingposition 15. The blocking element 40 is arranged between a blockingcontour 47 on the operator-controlled element 10 and the support 39 andmechanically prevents any actuation of the operator-controlled element10. The transfer unit 16 is formed by the levers 26 and 27 and the pivotjoint 28 and is in the inactive state 18.

If the first actuating element 11 is adjusted in the operating direction41 into its actuated position 20, which is shown in FIG. 10, this bringsabout a movement of the pivot joint 28 within the guide 51. The guide 51and the support 39 are coordinated with one another such that theblocking element 40 continues to be located between the blocking contour47 and the support 39 and the blocking device 13 is in its blockingposition 15. With the actuating element 12 not actuated, the firstactuating element 11 can accordingly be pivoted between its non-actuatedposition 19 and its actuated position 20 without this bringing about anyadjustment of the blocking device 13 between its blocking position 15and the enabled position 14. The transfer unit 16 is inactive.

FIG. 11 shows the arrangement with the first actuating element 11 in itsnon-actuated position 19. The second actuating element 12 has beenpivoted in the operating direction 42 with respect to the arrangement inFIG. 9 and is now in its actuated position 22. As a result, the guide 51has been shifted. The transfer unit 16 is in its active state. Theblocking element 40 is arranged between the blocking contour 47 and thesupport 39, and the blocking device 13 is in its blocking position 15.If the first actuating element 11 is pivoted out of the position shownin FIG. 11 into its actuated position 20 (FIG. 12), the blocking element40 passes out of the region of the support 39, and theoperator-controlled element 10 can be actuated. In FIG. 12, theoperator-controlled element 10 is still in the non-actuated position 23.If the operator-controlled element 10 is actuated in the operatingdirection 43, the operator-controlled element 10 passes into theactuated position 24 shown in FIG. 13. In this position, the actuatingsection 25 acts on the switch 30 and adjusts the switch 30 from itsnon-actuated state (FIG. 12) into its actuated state 32 (FIG. 13).

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 9 to 13, too, an alternativeoperating order is possible. If, starting from the arrangement which isshown in FIG. 10, that is, with the first actuating element 11 in theactuated position 20, the second actuating element 12 is adjusted in theoperating direction 42 into its actuated position 22, the guide 51 isshifted to the left in the illustration in FIG. 10. Since the pivotjoint 28 is located in an end region of the guide 51, the blockingelement 40 is likewise moved to the left when the guide 51 is shifted tothe left. As a result, the blocking element 40 moves out of the regionof the support 39, and the blocking device 13 is adjusted into itsenabled state 14.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 9 to 13, too, the blocking element40 is kept in the enabled position 14 by a holding contour 48 when thefirst actuating element 11 and/or the second actuating element 12 isrestored into its non-actuated position 19 or 21, respectively. In theembodiment shown, two holding contours 48 are provided on the end sidesof the support 39. Depending on the operating order of the actuatingelements 11, 12, one of the holding contours 48 is active.

FIGS. 14 to 23 show an alternative embodiment. The operator-controlledelement 10 is mounted on a bearing 59 so as to be pivotable about thepivot axis 33. A blocking contour 57 that is connected firmly to theoperator-controlled element 10 is provided, the blocking contour 57extending in an arcuate manner about the pivot axis 34 of the firstactuating element 11 in the non-actuated position 23 of theoperator-controlled element 10 in the embodiment. Formed on the firstactuating element 11 is an arm 55, which is part of a transfer unit 16.The arm 55 is resilient. This can be realized for example by inherentelasticity of the material of the arm 55, for example plastics material.In the embodiment, the arm 55 has, at its free end, a blocking element56 which is located immediately next to the blocking contour 57 or bearson the latter. In the shown non-actuated position 19 of the firstactuating element 11, the blocking element 56 on the arm 55 blocks anyactuation of the operator-controlled element 10. Together with theblocking contour 57, the blocking element 56 forms a blocking device 13.The second actuating element 12, which is likewise shown in thenon-actuated position 21 in FIG. 14, is mounted so as to be pivotableabout the pivot axis 35 and is connected to a deflecting element, in theembodiment a ramp 58. The deflecting element is likewise part of thetransfer unit 16.

As FIG. 15 shows, the ramp 58 is located in a plane with the blockingelement 56 and the blocking contour 57. The ramp 58 is also arranged ina plane with the arm 55 in the embodiment.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show the arrangement upon actuation of the firstactuating element 11 in the operating direction 41. During suchactuation, the arm 55 moves from the position 55′, shown by the dashedline in FIG. 16, to the position, indicated by the solid line, of thearm 55. In the process, as FIG. 17 shows, the blocking element 56 movesin the direction of an arrow 60 from a position 56′, shown by a dashedline, to the position, shown by a solid line, of the blocking element56. In the actuated position 20 of the first actuating element 11, too,the blocking element 56 is located immediately next to the blockingcontour 57 and prevents any actuation of the operator-controlled element10. The transfer unit 16, which is formed by the arm 55 and the ramp 58,is in its inactive state 18, since actuation of the actuating element 11does not bring about any adjustment of the blocking device 13 into theenabled state. In the non-actuated position 21 of the second actuatingelement 12, the ramp 58 is located outside the pivoting path of the arm55. In the embodiment, the ramp 58 is at a spacing a from the positionof the arm 55 in the actuated position 20 of the first actuating element11.

FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 show the arrangement after actuation of the secondactuating element 12 in the operating direction 42. In FIGS. 18 and 19,the actuating element 12 is in its actuated position 22. As a result,the ramp 58 has moved in the direction of an arrow 61 into the pivotingpath of the arm 55. The first actuating element 11 is in itsnon-actuated position 19 and the blocking device 13 is in its blockingposition 15. The transfer unit 16 formed by the arm 55 and the ramp 58is now in its active state 17, however. On account of the ramp 58, uponactuation of the first actuating element 11, adjustment of the blockingdevice 13 into its enabled position 14 is brought about.

FIG. 20 shows the arrangement with the first actuating element 11actuated and the second actuating element 12 actuated. The arm 55 hasmoved along the blocking contour 57. As FIG. 21 shows, the ramp 58 hasbrought about lateral deflection of the arm 55. The blocking element 56has moved out of the position 56′, shown by a dashed line, via theposition 56″, shown by a dashed line, for instance along the ramp 58into the position, shown by a solid line, of the blocking element 56. AsFIG. 21 shows, the blocking element 56 is located outside the pivotingpath of the blocking contour 57. The blocking device 13 is in itsenabled position 14 as a result.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show the arrangement with the operator-controlledelement 10 in its actuated position 24. When the operator-controlledelement 10 is actuated, the blocking contour 57 moves with theoperator-controlled element 10 past the blocking element 56, and theactuating section 25 adjusts the switch 30 into its actuated state 32.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 14 to 23, too, an alternativeoperating order is possible. From the arrangement, shown in FIGS. 16 and17, with the first actuating element 11 actuated and the secondactuating element 12 not actuated, an operator can actuate the secondactuating element 12. The ramp 58 deflects the arm 55 laterally as aresult, such that, even in an alternative operating order, adjustment ofthe blocking device 13 into its enabled position 14 shown in FIGS. 20and 21 takes place.

FIGS. 24 to 27 show an alternative embodiment. In the embodiment shownin FIGS. 24 to 27, the transfer unit 16 includes an intermediate lever63 which is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 64. Theintermediate lever 63 has a first guide 66 which allows the intermediatelever 63 to be shifted transversely to the pivot axis 64 with respect tothe pivot axis 64, in the vertical direction in the illustration in FIG.24. The intermediate lever 63 also has a second guide 67, on which thesecond actuating element 12 acts. The intermediate lever 63 isspring-mounted via a spring 29. The spring 29 is schematicallyillustrated and configured as a compression spring and preloads thepivot lever 63 counter to any pivoting about the pivot axis 64 uponactuation of the first actuating element 11. The intermediate lever 63is furthermore supported counter to pivoting about the pivot axis 64,upon actuation of the first actuating element 11 in the situation shownin FIG. 23, via a housing-fixed support 39. Arranged on the intermediatelever 63 is a blocking element 70 of a blocking device 13, the blockingelement 70 cooperating, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 24, with ablocking section 68 of the operator-controlled element 10 and preventingany pivoting of the operator-controlled element 10. In the positionshown in FIG. 24, the support 39 prevents the blocking section 68 frombeing able to pivot the intermediate lever 63 about the pivot axis 64via the blocking element 70. In the position shown in FIG. 24, the firstactuating element 11 is in its non-actuated position 19, the secondactuating element 12 is in its non-actuated position 21, theoperator-controlled element 10 is in its non-actuated position 23, andthe switch 30 is in its non-actuated state 31. The blocking device 13 isin the blocking position 15.

FIG. 25 shows the arrangement after the first actuating element 11 hasbeen pivoted in the operating direction 41. An arm 55 is fixed to thefirst actuating element 11 in the embodiment. In the non-actuatedposition 21 of the second actuating element 12, the arm 55 plunges intoa cutout 72 in the intermediate lever 63 upon actuation of the firstactuating element 11. The first actuating element 11 does not act on theintermediate lever 63, and the transfer unit 16 formed by theintermediate lever 63 is in its inactive state 18.

If, starting from the arrangement shown in FIG. 24, the second actuatingelement 12 is adjusted in the operating direction 42 into its actuatedposition 22, the intermediate lever 63 is shifted with respect to itspivot axis 64. The intermediate lever 63 passes out of the region of thesupport 39. In the position shown in FIG. 26, a blocking element 71 ofthe intermediate lever 63 is located in the pivoting region of a secondblocking section 69 of the operator-controlled element 10. As a result,the operator-controlled element 10 can be actuated. The intermediatelever 63 is located immediately next to the free end of the arm 55, andso the transfer unit 16 is in its active state 17. If, starting from theposition shown in FIG. 26, the first actuating element 11 is actuated inthe operating direction 41, as shown in FIG. 27, the intermediate lever63 pivots about the pivot axis 64 and the blocking element 71 passes outof the pivoting region of the blocking section 69. As a result, theblocking device 13 is in its enabled state 14. FIG. 27 shows thearrangement with the operator-controlled element 10 in its actuatedposition 24. In this position, the switch 30 is in its actuated state32. The blocking section 69 bears with its end side on the secondblocking element 71 and as a result prevents the intermediate lever 63from being able to pivot back even when the first actuating element 11is released by the operator.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 24 to 27, the operating order isstructurally predefined. The operator has to actuate the secondactuating element 12 first, before the first actuating element 11 isactuated. If the actuating element 11 is actuated first, as shown inFIG. 25, the arm 55 blocks a subsequent movement of the second actuatingelement 12 and of the intermediate lever 63.

FIGS. 28 to 31 show a further embodiment. As FIG. 28 shows, a transferunit 16 is provided, which includes a lever 76 on which the twoactuating elements 11 and 12 act. The lever 76 is mounted on a blockingsection 77 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 79 at a pivot joint78. The blocking section 77 is mounted so as to be displaceable in itslongitudinal direction in a housing-fixed guide 75 and forms, with itsfree end, a blocking element 70 of a blocking device 13. The blockingelement 70 is located in the pivoting part of a blocking section 68 ofthe operator-controlled element 10, such that the blocking device 13 isin its blocking position 15.

If the first actuating element 11 is moved in the operating direction41, the arrangement passes into the position shown in FIG. 29. The lever76 is configured in the manner of a rocker such that pivoting of anactuating element 11 causes the lever 76 to pivot about the pivot axis79, but does not cause any movement of the blocking section 77 in itslongitudinal direction. In the position shown in FIG. 29, the blockingdevice 13 is accordingly still in its blocking position 15. The switch30 is in its non-actuated state 31.

If, starting from the position shown in FIG. 28, the second actuatingelement 12 is actuated in the operating direction 42, as shown in FIG.30, the lever 76 pivots in the opposite direction, but the section 77does not move, and so the blocking device 13 continues to be in itsblocking position 15.

As a result of the first actuating element 11 being adjusted into itsactuated position 20, as shown in FIG. 29, or as a result of the secondactuating element 12 being adjusted into its actuated position 22, asshown in FIG. 30, the transfer unit 16 is adjusted into its active state17. Actuation of the other actuating element 11, 12 in each caseresults, as shown in FIG. 31, in the blocking device 13 being adjustedinto its enabled state 14. As a result, it is possible to actuate theoperator-controlled element 10, that is, to adjust theoperator-controlled element 10 into its actuated state 24 shown in FIG.31. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 28 to 31, the actuatingelements 11 and 12 have the same effect, since they both each act on oneend of the lever 76.

FIG. 32 schematically shows a further embodiment with a second actuatingelement 12 that is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 35,an actuating element 11 that is mounted so as to be pivotable about apivot axis 34, and an operator-controlled element 10 that is mounted soas to be pivotable about a pivot axis 33. The operator-controlledelement 10 has a blocking section 68 which, in the shown blocking state15 of the blocking device 13, cooperates with a blocking element 70 ofan intermediate lever 83. The intermediate lever 83 is mounted so as tobe pivotable about the pivot axis 34 of the first actuating element 11and is coupled to the latter via a spring 84.

FIG. 32 shows the arrangement in the non-actuated position 19 of thefirst actuating element 11, the non-actuated position 21 of the secondactuating element 12, the inactive state 18 of the transfer unit 16, thenon-actuated position 23 of the operator-controlled element 10 and thenon-actuated state 31 of the switch 30. If the first actuating element11 is actuated in the operating direction 41 from the position shown inFIG. 32, the spring 84 is tensioned. The intermediate lever 83 does notmove, however, since it is mechanically prevented from executing apivoting movement via an extension 85 of the second actuating element12. If the second actuating element 12 is pivoted in the operatingdirection 42 with the first actuating element 11 not actuated, theextension 85 enables a pivoting movement of the intermediate lever 83.The transfer unit 16 is in its active state. If the first actuatingelement 11 is subsequently pivoted in the operating direction 41, theintermediate lever 83 pivots with the actuating element 11 and adjuststhe blocking device 13 into its enabled state 14.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 32, too, an alternative operatingorder is possible. If the actuating element 11 is first of all actuatedin the operating direction 41, the spring 84 is pretensioned. If thesecond actuating element 12 is then pivoted in the operating direction42, the movement of the intermediate lever 83 is enabled and theblocking device 13 is adjusted into its enabled state 14.

FIGS. 33 and 34 show an embodiment in which the transfer unit 16 is ahydraulic or pneumatic transfer unit 16. FIG. 33 shows the arrangementwith the transfer unit 16 in the inactive state 18. The first actuatingelement 11 is shown in the non-actuated position 19. The first actuatingelement 11 acts, upon actuation in the operating direction 41, on apiston 90 which is mounted in a cylinder 92 and is preloaded counter tothe operating direction 41 by a spring 91. The interior of the cylinder91 is connected to a valve 89 via a line 93. In the non-actuatedposition 21 of the second actuating element 12, the valve 89 connectsthe line 93 to a line 94 which opens into the environment. The valve 89is connected via a further line 98 to a piston 95 in a second cylinder97, which is acted upon by a spring 96. Formed on the piston 95 is ablocking element 70, which cooperates, in the blocking position 15, witha blocking section 68 of the operator-controlled element 10 and as aresult blocks any adjustment of the operator-controlled element 10 inthe operating direction 43. The spring 96 preloads the piston 95 in thedirection of the blocking position 15 of the blocking device 13. In theshown position of the valve 89, the line 93 is not connected to the line98. Therefore, actuation of the first actuating element 11 in theoperating direction 41 does not have any effect on the blocking device13, which is in its blocking position 15 in FIG. 33, with the secondactuating element 12 not actuated.

FIG. 34 shows the arrangement in the actuated position 22 of the secondactuating element 12. In this position of the second actuating element12, the valve 89 connects the line 93 to the line 98. If the firstactuating element 11 is adjusted into its actuated position 20, thepiston 90 moves in the cylinder 92 and pushes gas or fluid through theline 93 via the valve 89 into the line 98 and from there into thecylinder 97. This causes the piston 95 to be adjusted counter to theforce of the spring 96. As a result, the blocking element 70 passes outof the pivoting path of the blocking section 68, and theoperator-controlled element 10 can be moved into the actuated position24 shown in FIG. 34. As a result, the switch 30 is adjusted into itsactuated state 32. As FIG. 34 shows, the blocking section 68 and theblocking element 70 are arranged such that the blocking section 68 keepsthe blocking element 70 in the enabled position 14 of the blockingdevice 13 with the operator-controlled element 10 in the actuatedposition 24. As a result, the operator can release the actuatingelements 11 and 12 with the operator-controlled element 10 in theactuated position 24.

Further advantageous embodiments are achieved by any desiredcombinations of the above-described embodiments. The schematicillustrations reproduce the individual operating principles and are notlimited to the configuration shown, but can be modified in a suitablemanner, while retaining the operating principles, in order to obtainadvantageous structural configurations.

It is understood that the foregoing description is that of the preferredembodiments of the invention and that various changes and modificationsmay be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handheld work apparatus comprising: a drivemotor; an operator-controlled element for controlling said drive motor;a housing; a blocking device for said operator-controlled element havinga blocking position in which said blocking device mechanically blocks anactuation of said operator-controlled element and having an enabledposition in which said operator-controlled element is enabled to controlsaid drive motor; a first actuating element having an actuated positionand a non-actuated position, said first actuating element beingconfigured to selectively bear against said blocking device in such away that said blocking device is free to move between said blockingposition and said enabled position when said first actuating element isin said actuated position and said blocking device is inhibited frommoving between said blocking position and said enabled position whensaid first actuating element is in said non-actuated position; a secondactuating element configured to act on said blocking device and havingan actuated position and a non-actuated position; said second actuatingelement being connected to said blocking device so as to permit saidsecond actuating element to move said blocking device between saidblocking position and said enabled position in correspondence to saidnon-actuated position and said actuated position of said secondactuating element when said first actuating element is in said actuatedposition thereof; and, said first actuating element is configured to,when in said non-actuated position thereof, act on said connectionbetween said second actuating element and blocking device in such a waythat said blocking device remains in said blocking position when saidsecond actuating element is moved between said non-actuated and actuatedpositions thereof such that said blocking device is only capable ofmoving to said enabled position when both said first actuating elementand said second actuating element are moved to their actuated positions.2. A handheld work apparatus comprising: a drive motor; anoperator-controlled element for controlling said drive motor; a housing;a blocking device for said operator-controlled element having a blockingposition in which said blocking device mechanically blocks an actuationof said operator-controlled element and having an enabled position inwhich said operator-controlled element is enabled to control said drivemotor; a first actuating element having an actuated position and anon-actuated position, a second actuating element configured to act onsaid blocking device and having an actuated position and a non-actuatedposition; said second actuating element being connected to said blockingdevice so as to permit said second actuating element to move saidblocking device between said blocking position and said enabled positionin correspondence to said non-actuated position and said actuatedposition of said second actuating element when said first actuatingelement is in said actuated position thereof; and, said first actuatingelement is configured to, when in said non-actuated position thereof,act on said connection between said second actuating element andblocking device in such a way that said blocking device remains in saidblocking position when said second actuating element is moved betweensaid non-actuated and actuated positions thereof such that said blockingdevice is only capable of moving to said enabled position when both saidfirst actuating element and said second actuating element are moved totheir actuated positions.
 3. The handheld work apparatus of claim 2,wherein: said operator-controlled element has an actuated position; and,said operator-controlled element is configured, when saidoperator-controlled element is in said actuated position thereof, tohold said first actuating element in said actuated position.
 4. Thehandheld work apparatus of claim 2, wherein said second actuatingelement is configured, when in said non-actuated position of said secondactuating element, to hold said blocking device in said blockingposition.
 5. The handheld work apparatus of claim 2 further comprising:a holding contour; said blocking device having a blocking element; and,said holding contour being configured to hold said blocking element insaid enabled position when said operator-controlled element is in anactuated position thereof.
 6. The handheld work apparatus of claim 2further comprising: a support; said blocking device having at least oneblocking element; and, said blocking element being configured to besupported by said support and block a movement of saidoperator-controlled element in an operating direction when said blockingdevice is in said blocking position.
 7. A handheld work apparatuscomprising: a drive motor; an operator-controlled element forcontrolling said drive motor; a housing; a blocking device for saidoperator-controlled element having a blocking position in which saidblocking device mechanically blocks an actuation of saidoperator-controlled element and having an enabled position in which saidoperator-controlled element is enabled to control said drive motor; afirst actuating element movable between a non-actuated position and anactuated position; said first actuating element being configured to holdsaid blocking device in said blocking position while in saidnon-actuated position and to no longer inhibit a movement of saidblocking device into said enabled position when in said actuatedposition thereof; a second actuating element being movable between anon-actuated position wherein said blocking device is inhibited frommoving between said blocking position and said enabled position and anactuated position wherein said blocking device is free to move from saidblocking position into said enabled position once said first actuatingelement is in said actuated position thereof; and, said blocking deviceincluding an elastic biasing unit to elastically bias said blockingdevice in response to a movement of said second actuating element fromsaid non-actuated position thereof to said actuated position thereofcausing said blocking device to assume said enabled position in responseto said first actuating element being moved into said actuated positionthereof such that said blocking device is only capable of moving to saidenabled position when both said first actuating element and said secondactuating element are moved to their actuating positions.
 8. Thehandheld work apparatus of claim 7, said blocking device comprising: alever pivotally mounted on said housing so as to pivot between a firstlever position wherein said blocking device is in said blocking positionto block said operator-controlled element and a second lever positionwherein said blocking device is in said enabled position and saidoperator-controlled element is unblocked; said first actuating elementbeing pivotally mounted in said housing so as to be pivotable between afirst position, associated with said non-actuated position, wherein saidfirst actuating element blocks said lever in said first lever positionand a second position, associated with said actuated position, whereinsaid first actuating element unblocks said lever; and, said elasticbiasing unit being a spring mutually connecting said second actuatingelement and said lever and arranged to apply a biasing force to saidlever when said second actuating element is pivoted into said actuatedposition thereof to move said lever into said second lever positionshifting said blocking device into said enabled position and unblockingsaid operator-controlled element.
 9. A handheld work apparatuscomprising: a drive motor; an operator-controlled element forcontrolling said drive motor; a housing; a blocking device for saidoperator-controlled element having a blocking position in which saidblocking device mechanically blocks an actuation of saidoperator-controlled element and having an enabled position in which saidoperator-controlled element is enabled to control said drive motor; afirst actuating element movable between a non-actuated position and anactuated position; a second actuating element movable between anon-actuated position and an actuated position; said blocking devicecomprising a lever pivotally mounted on said housing so as to pivotbetween a first lever position, corresponding to the blocking position,and a second lever position, corresponding to the enabled position; anelastic biasing unit, said elastic biasing unit being a spring mutuallyconnecting said second actuating element and said lever and arranged toapply a biasing force to said lever when said second actuating elementis pivoted into said actuated position thereof; a first holding contourbeing formed on the first actuating element; a second holding contourbeing formed on the lever; the first holding contour being configured tobear against the second holding contour in the actuated position of thefirst actuating element and the blocking device being in its enabledposition; and, the second holding contour being located in a pivotingpath of the first holding contour and keeping the first actuatingelement in its actuated position as long as the second actuating elementis in its actuated position.
 10. The handheld work apparatus of claim 9,said first actuating element being configured to hold said blockingdevice in said blocking position while in said non-actuated position.